ERMA – Lower Township Police along with other law enforcement agencies around New Jersey are gearing up for the state’s largest annual drunk driving crackdown. The start date is Aug. 17.
The 2018 “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Statewide Labor Day Crackdown begins Aug. 17 and concludes on Sept.3, according to a release.
During the campaign, local and state law enforcement officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols targeting motorists who may be driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a national campaign designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement backed up by educational activities including national radio and television advertisements, posters, banners and mobile video display signs.
The campaign looks to curtail impaired driving during the busy summer travel season, including the Labor Day holiday period.
“Despite years of enforcement and public awareness efforts, too many people still make the unfortunate decision to get behind the wheel while impaired. Nearly 30 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey are alcohol-related,” stated Gary Poedubicky, acting director of the state Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “This is a zero tolerance campaign. If drivers are caught operating their vehicle while impaired they will be arrested,” he added.
Summertime and the end-of-year holidays are when most Americans gather to enjoy their free time with friends and family. They are also some of the deadliest times on American roads due to impaired driving.
That’s why during the summer and end of the year, a nationwide campaign comprised of thousands of traffic safety partners, join together to protect citizens from this deadly crime. Here in New Jersey, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety utilizes the Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign to achieve its goal: prevention.
As part of the initiative, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety provides grants to local police agencies throughout the state to run the two-week campaign. During 2016’s crackdown campaign, participating agencies made 1,649 DWI arrests.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2018 crackdown offer the following advice:
If you plan to drink, designate a driver, someone who will not drink alcohol, before going out.
Don’t risk it. If you plan to drive, don’t drink.
Take mass transit, a taxi or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
Spend the night where the activity is held.
Always buckle up, every ride, regardless of your seating position in the vehicle. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
If you’re intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive you to your doorstep.
Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.
